Why Students Prefer Spring Study Abroad (and Why You Should Consider Fall!)

Why students prefer spring study abroad (and why you should consider fall!) | Study Abroad and Beyond It’s been a big week! From today being Dr. Seuss’ birthday (and we all know he wrote the greatest book of all time), and yesterday being the study abroad application deadline for fall programs for many universities (including my current university), I have a feeling it’s been crazy for many, many people (and it’s also midterm time…).

So, in honor of it being deadline time for fall programs, I’d like to discuss why so many more students study abroad in the spring than in the fall semester.

In all of the colleges and universities where I have worked, the difference between fall and spring study abroad numbers is typically a 1:3 ratio.

Usually, this means that it is absolute chaos near the study abroad application deadlines in the fall, but not so much in the spring. What gives?

I’ve heard many explanations for why students consider studying abroad in the spring rather than in the fall; here are some of the reasons I have heard (and my responses as a realistic study abroad advisor).

Studying abroad during the spring semester of junior year is the traditional time to go.

This was absolutely true traditionally, but not as much any more.

With the diversification of study abroad programs and opportunities, more students are looking into studying abroad earlier to allow for more time to pursue internships, or additional study abroad programs.

Related post: Types of Study Abroad Programs

I will stay longer after my program and go traveling all summer.

I admire your optimism. If you are studying abroad for a short term or summer program, I think that this would be reasonable and feasible. In fact, pending your visa status in your host country, I think this is a great idea.

However, at the end of between four and six months away from home, the vast majority of students (think – over 90 percent) are ready to return home.

Between experiencing varying degrees of homesickness and the fact that finals are a universal truth of college, returning home for some home-cooked meals and a clothes dryer at the end of your program sounds quite desirable.

If you kick off your fall study abroad program by traveling for a few weeks or months, you’ll be geared up for your next adventure – a full semester at a new school!

Related: Coming Home: How to Cope

It will be easier to sublet my apartment / release my room in the spring.

This is often a challenge for students no matter when they go; however, if a student is studying abroad in the fall, it is often easier to find housing in a spring study abroad student’s room (or rooms from other students taking time away from school).

This is a great opportunity to be opportunists, all you fall study abroad students.

Missing rush week isn’t an option, and I won’t miss as many sports seasons at school if I study abroad in the spring.

I understand the concern and stress about missing certain events at home / school, but I often encourage students to think critically about how much missing events within your campus community will really mean.

I don’t want to miss Thanksgiving.

I can’t argue that. Thanksgiving in the US is my favorite holiday. Missing Thanksgiving with my family was the hardest part of living abroad (I was able to Skype in to Thanksgiving dinner!!).

But that did make Thanksgiving so much more enjoyable the next year when I was home to celebrate it.

The weather will be better in the spring.

If a student is planning on studying in any country with the exception of countries south of the Equator, I have to say that this isn’t necessarily true. Here is a very generalized, non-scientific weather progression comparing spring and fall semesters from beginning to end:

Weather differences between fall and spring semester | Study Abroad and Beyond

Personally, I’d rather arrive in the summer than arrive in the middle of winter. Look at that weather!

I need more time to prepare for the program.

This is entirely dependent on when the program is scheduled to start. Study abroad programs in the spring can start anywhere from early January until the end of March; if a student is enrolled in a program that starts on January 4th, this only leaves 2 1/2 weeks between semesters!

Generally, there is far more time for students to prepare for a study abroad program during a summer semester than during a winter break. When it comes to getting a passport, a visa, housing, and all of the official documents, the break leading up to a fall semester program provides ample time to do this.

No matter which semester you end up choosing, your study abroad advisor will be there to support you during the application process and all the way through your time abroad!

Which semester would you prefer to study abroad? What advice do you have for students who are considering a fall semester abroad?